RESEARCH PROPOSAL: MISSION ISSUES FOR AMERICAN CHURCHES Student Name Course Number: Course Name> March 3, 2023 1 Research Proposal: Mission Issues for American Churches Although mission work has become essential to spreading the gospel in the USA, it has faced unprecedented challenges recently. Analysts have argued that the gospel encompasses the message of the mission. The indivisible nature of the gospel and mission justifies the need to identify the challenges facing mission work among American churches and develop solutions. American churches are gradually shying away from mission work, a trend that adversely impacts the prosperity of the gospel. Lack of a sufficient budget and cultural barriers and dynamics are the two main mission issues American churches must confront by developing immediate solutions. Aims of the Research This research evaluates the key challenge affecting mission work among American churches. Although there are many challenges ranging from immigration challenges, secularism, religion, lack of training on the gospel and mission, and sex trafficking, this paper focuses on culture and budget difficulties as the major challenges to mission work. Regarding culture, the paper will evaluate the impact of the changing cultural dynamics like multiculturalism, debates on sex marriages, and cultural wars on the success of missions. Regarding budget constraints, the paper will evaluate the cost implications of mission work and how this has impacted American churches. Background Literature Mission work is the backbone of the development of the gospel and the church. Recent researchers have shifted their focus toward examining the relationship between human development and the gospel1. Moreover, questions have been raised as to whether mission work 1 John Hind, The Mission and Ministry of the Whole Church: Biblical, Theological and Contemporary Perspectives (The Faith and Order Advisory Group of the Church of England, 2018), accessed January 15, 2023, 2 precedes developmental and humanitarian activities like community work, education, and healthcare. In some cases, proponents of missions have argued that health, educational, and social aid activities conducted by American churches are part of mission work. The New Testament covers the missions of Jesus in proclaiming the gospel to the nations. This justifies the need for American churches to continue with mission work despite the challenges2. Intercultural communication has been an essential component of mission work in Christianity. Culture, one of the impediments to mission work among American churches, can be overcome by embracing multiculturalism. Missionaries must also realize that culture is a dynamic feature of human society3. Many people across the USA live under cultural, religious, economic, and social oppression. However, the church has not recognized its role in addressing these challenges through mission activities. The rationale of the Study This study contributes to the growing knowledge of promoting missions among American churches. Christianity is under attack, not only in the USA but across the globe. A combination of the forces of cultural changes, modernity, communism, globalization, and scientific evolutionism threaten the stability of the church and the gospel4. American churches must revitalize mission work amidst these challenges. This way, they follow the biblical precedence of the Apostle Paul and Jesus Christ. https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/201801/The%20Mission%20and%20Ministry%20of%20the%20Whole%20Church.pdf. Carol L. Higham, “Christian Missions to American Indians,” Oxford Research Encyclopedia of American History (September 2016). 2 3 Hind, The Mission and Ministry of the Whole Church: Biblical, Theological and Contemporary Perspectives T Kamiński, “Religious Policy and the Charitable Activities of Churches in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary after 1989,” Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies 20, no. 58 (2021): 52-65. 4 3 Research Question The research question for this study is: How have culture and budgetary constraints impacted mission work among American churches? Research Methodology This qualitative research will utilize the interview method for data collection. Interviews, though tedious and time-demanding, are an appropriate method to understand the course of mission work and its future outlook in the USA. The choice of the interview technique emanates from the fact that many people have varied perspectives on the role of culture and budgetary constraints in mission activities. Religious leaders, scholars, and researchers on mission activities will share their insights on how budgetary challenges and culture have impacted mission work among American churches. The interviews will be recorded for detailed analysis and tracking response patterns. 4 Reference List Higham, Carol L. “Christian Missions to American Indians.” Oxford Research Encyclopedia of American History (2016). Hind, John. Rep. The Mission and Ministry of the Whole Church: Biblical, Theological and Contemporary Perspectives. The Faith and Order Advisory Group of the Church of England, 2018. Accessed January 15, 2023. https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/201801/The%20Mission%20and%20Ministry%20of%20the%20Whole%20Church.pdf. Kamiński, T. “Religious Policy and the Charitable Activities of Churches in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary after 1989.” Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies 20, no. 58 (2021): 52–65.
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